Case closure

[Mrbean123]

We're at a point now where social want to close our case.
The police investigation is still ongoing because we're still awaiting devices to be checked. But from socials point of view, the children are safeguarded well enough.
We've been told that prior to closure, we need to sign a written agreement about socials expectations - one of which is my wife cannot supervise my contact (because of her views on the situation: 1 of our family pictures was categorized as indecent C)

I'm confused as to how a written agreement can be used in a sign off/closure situation. We're on Child in Need plan and it's all voluntary so I'm failing to understand the need for a written agreement, which is unable to be policed by the department and I doubt has any legal foundations behind it.

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear MrBean123

Thank you for your further post.

Children’s services you say, now wish to close the case in respect of your children who are currently on a child in need plan. The police investigation is still ongoing in respect of indecent sexual image(s) and, whilst children’s services intend to close the case, they will not do so without a signed written agreement/safety plan.

Your wife is not able to supervise contact between your children and you express confusion about how this agreement would be used in a closure situation. I believe the written agreement will state specifically what children’s services expectations are in respect of ongoing safeguarding for the children; that your wife will not supervise or allow unsupervised contact. Whilst there may be no formal policing of the agreement if children’s services were to receive information about a breach then the action speci-fied in the agreement for such a breach would be implemented.

The written agreement is not legally binding but breach could lead to an escalation of the case. You should be given an opportunity to give your views on the agreement and can seek legal advice before signing it.

I note from previous posts that you were concerned there was no safety plan. It seems children’s services is putting that plan in now because the police investigation is ongoing and the concerns about your wife supervising contact.

You can ask the questions you have asked here of the social worker as it is important that both you and your wife are clear about expectations and sanctions.

Here is a link to our A-Z of terms on our website explaining more about written agreement I hope this will help to clarify the issue for you and your wife.

If you wish to speak with one of our experienced advisers, you can telephone our ad-vice line on 0808 801 0366. The advice line is open from 9.39am to 3.00pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays).

Hope you find this useful.

Best wishes